Sen. Stefano Famiglietti

Maddy summarySB 2739 amends the process for reimbursing workers' compensation costs when a third party (such as another company or individual) is liable for an injury. It changes how employers and insurers handle reimbursements after a third party pays damages to an injured worker. This directly affects injured workers, employers, and insurance providers in cases involving third-party liability. The bill clarifies procedural steps under existing workers' compensation law without altering benefit amounts or eligibility.

Requires public auctions by any city or town of real estate or an interest therein to only be done in person and not by electronic or remote procedures unless authorized by court order.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution officially designates May 2026 as "Jewish American Heritage Month" throughout Rhode Island to honor the community's historical and ongoing contributions to the state. The bill highlights Jewish Americans' roles in Rhode Island's economy, culture, education, military service, and healthcare while promoting unity and combating prejudice. It directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to relevant community leaders and organizations to facilitate observance. This measure is symbolic and does not alter laws or create new government programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution expresses condolences for the passing of Mary Ann "Mare" Johnson, a lifelong resident of Rhode Island who died on April 5, 2026. The measure formally acknowledges her life and directs the Secretary of State to send certified copies of the resolution to her family. It does not create new laws or policy changes but serves as a ceremonial gesture of sympathy from the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution designates April 28, 2026, as "Arts Day in Rhode Island" to highlight the importance of arts and culture within the state. The bill encourages all residents to reflect on how creative activities enrich their lives and support local communities. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal proclamation to recognize the economic and social benefits of the arts sector. The resolution directs the Secretary of State to send copies of the document to the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts and the Rhode Island Coalition for the Arts.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally acknowledges the essential contributions of independent community pharmacies to Rhode Island's healthcare system and local economies. It highlights how these locally owned businesses provide personalized care, support neighborhood jobs, and offer reliable access to medications for residents, particularly seniors and those with chronic conditions. The document expresses appreciation for pharmacists and their staff while directing the Secretary of State to send copies of the resolution to the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association and independent pharmacies. As a symbolic measure, the bill does not alter any laws or funding but serves to honor the role these pharmacies play in the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires condominium associations to perform structural surveys and reserve studies to assess building conditions and future repair needs. It mandates that these associations maintain financial reserves at a minimum of 15% to ensure funds are available for necessary repairs. The legislation directly affects homeowners and property managers in condominium communities by establishing new financial and planning requirements. These provisions aim to improve long-term maintenance planning and financial stability for condominium properties without specifying particular repair projects or outcomes.

Terminates the requirement that the public utilities commission allocate five million dollars ($5,000,000) annually to the Rhode Island infrastructure bank for use with energy efficient programs.

Maddy summarySB 2631 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to complete a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy costs for consumers. The study must review all Rhode Island energy programs to identify those increasing costs, compare rates with other states, and recommend policy changes. It includes $100,000 for hiring consultants to research these areas and proposes that future energy-related legislation include clear cost impact statements. The bill directly affects the PUC/DUPC by mandating this study, with the goal of making energy rates more transparent and affordable for Rhode Island residents. It does not change current energy rates but sets a process for evaluating potential cost-saving measures.

Maddy summarySB 2521 requires Rhode Island electricity providers (obligated entities) to gradually increase the share of renewable energy in their retail electricity sales, starting at 3% in 2007 and rising to 9.5% by 2032, with the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2033. The bill mandates that providers meet these targets for each electricity product sold to end-use customers, excluding voluntary renewable energy purchases by customers from counting toward the requirement (except in specific municipal aggregation plans). Compliance can be achieved by purchasing renewable energy credits (NE-GIS certificates) or making payments to a renewable energy development fund. The bill also directs the energy commission to assess in 2024 whether voluntary renewable purchases should be allowed to count toward the annual targets.